There are key elements that make a wedding spectacular and one of the biggest ones is the music, which sets the mood for your reception. You can have great food and gorgeous decor, but if the music’s weak, the party will be, too. Many couples I work with ask me whether they should hire a DJ or a band. I give them the pros and cons and this usually helps them make the decision on which would be most suitable for their crowd.
Here are some things to consider when making your decision:
DJ Pros:
- More selection. DJs have tens of thousands of songs, when they spin with their laptop. And, if a guest asks for a song that they don’t have, or have never even heard of, they can quickly download it and make everyone happy.
- When using meaningful and favourite songs for certain times at your wedding, such as your first dance, a DJ can play the song by the actual artist, and not some really bad version by a wedding singer!
- DJs have better control of the flow of the music, so songs have the opportunity to segue from a dance set, to, let’s say, the cutting of the cake, or to bring it down and provide just background music when a speech is announced.
- DJs are usually less expensive than bands; bands have more musicians and more equipment to pay for.
DJ Cons:
- A DJ can get tired or bored, and not put much energy into his or her sets. A bored DJ does not help liven the dance floor. If the DJ is bored, he may just do the exact same routine he did at the wedding he played at the week before and not pay attention to special details. An example of this risk is a DJ calling you by the wrong name or playing music from your “Do Not Play” list.
Wedding Band Pros:
- A live band with several musicians provides an aesthetic appeal. The musicians can get the crowd more involved and therefore more energized, so the dance floor is always hopping.
- Musicians have control of the tempo of songs, and can be flexible when they see the crowd react or if they notice anyone looking tired, they can quickly bring up the energy.
- Bands come in different packages and they can fit into your wedding theme. For example, if you are a true lover of island music, a steel band would really fit in nicely with your theme.
Wedding Band Cons:
- Because a band has a few musicians, the cost can be very high. Having a large orchestra play, for example can take a huge chunk out of your budget. There are local bands that cost up to $20,000, if you factor in the number of musicians and the sound equipment they need as well.
- Bands may not be as versatile as a DJ. So, if you want different music genres played throughout the night, you may run the risk of the band not being able to play different types of music.
- When the band breaks, and you have no music, there is only the option of a CD being played. When this happens, the energy of your party may be jeopardized, as the musicians walk off and leave a bare stage.
My big suggestion to you is to think carefully about your decision and very importantly, go and see the DJ and/or band in person to really see the mood they set. You will know right away if they are the right fit for you. Just speak with the DJ and band in question and they’ll usually arrange for you to see and hear them at an upcoming event, where you can inconspicuously see for yourself.
Rita Wong is a wedding and events planner and owner of Rita Wong Events. Based in Montreal, she also plans many weddings every year for brides living in Toronto and abroad. She is a dedicated follower of new trends and her goal is to give each bride a wedding that is fresh, unique, and a personal reflection of who they are.
